Dear Elder Smith,
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Washington Kennewick Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.
You should report to the Mexico Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language.

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"Courage, Not Compromise, Brings the Smile of God's Approval"

October 27, 2014

Family and Friends,
I hope and pray that your week was full of joy and gratitude. Let us continue to care for our fellow beings and express our love for them through humility and charity. "Love is the very essence of the gospel and Jesus Christ is our exemplar." Our Savior's perfect example is a guide of how and why we should live our lives according to his. I'd like to share another quote that has made a deep impact on my life this past week in regards to discipleship. "Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not an effort of once a week, or once a day. It is an effort of once and for all." Applying this simple truth can bring meaning and direction into our every day lives. I can testify that this is God's truth. These are our days to stand in holy places and as disciples of Our Savior. As the weeks continue to seem short, my companion and I are continually witnessing miracles. Warden may have few people, but the Lord is preparing a lot of them to hear about the fruits that come from the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The biggest miracle this week was being able to ask a family of three to follow Jesus Christ and be baptized. All three of them accepted the invitation and will hopefully be baptized on the 15th of next month. I love this family dearly and am looking forward to their progression in the gospel. It's amazing to think that we as missionaries, didn't have too much of a part in this miracle. We give all of the credit to our Lord for softening their hearts and providing the fullness of the gospel on the earth today. In addition, this week I was thinking about The Book of Mormon and the role it plays in our conversion. Boyd K. Packer stated, "Perhaps no other book has been denounced so vigorously by those who have never read it as has the Book of Mormon." If you want to ridicule, judge, and scrutinize a book, then first read it. The Book of Mormon is the convincing evidence that this church was restored through a prophet. It testifies so strongly of Christ and is the convincing evidence that God loves his children throughout the world at all times, and in all places. Let us show some courage and pick up the Book of Mormon this week to see the happiness it brings. Apparently, even the Pope may give it a read! Elder Holland stated, "I want is absolutely clear when I stand before the judgment bar of God that I declared to the world....that the Book of Mormon is true." I stand with Elder Holland and testify that this book is entirely true.

Washington Yakima Mission

Favorite Scripture: Ether 12:4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always bounding in good works, being led to glorify God.

My Family

*My Sister*

My lovely Sister, Tara Faye Smith. She is currently attending Brigham Young University Hawaii and recently got engaged. Words cannot describe how much I love her and how grateful I am to have had her by my side for the past 19 years.

*My Mom*

My mom has served as an inspiration and role-model to our entire family. She's my best friend and someone I can continuously count on in a time of need. I just love my momma.

*My Dad*

My Dad and I have always had a strong relationship. He has persistently encouraged myself to become a worthy Priesthood holder and has taught me to value life. I love my Dad and would be lost without him.

Called to Serve

Words cannot describe how grateful I am to serve the Lord and build the Kingdom of God. Thank you to my family, friends, and the Lord for inspiring me to become a full-time missionary.

Feasting Upon the Words of Christ

2 Nephi 32:3

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.